#128: Do filler words matter?

Tom Hanson found several key findings from research and industry data that shows filler words do matter!

How can you and I use this knowledge to convince potential clients that it's worth paying us to remove filler words?

We discuss the impact of filler words on the success of podcasts in this episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind Show.

👉 Stick around to the end for the post-production process Steve used to get excited about editing this interview.

• The perception of editing out fillers has changed
• Research on the Impact of Filler Words in Podcasts
• Convincing Clients to Pay for Editing

• Study: Impact of Filler Words on Listener Engagement
• Service: Audiocore Edit Assist (try for free) https://www.knvpstudios.com/audiocore
• List of Crutches: Unnecessary Words in a Podcast https://stevestewart.me/unnecessary-words-in-a-podcast

Tom started KNVP Studios in 2014 and has offering his services in the professional television, film and audio/video business for over 30 years.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, with a minor in Audio Recording and Music Synthesis and has worked with the biggest studios in the world such as MGM, Sony Pictures, MTV, and HBO, and countless others in state-of-the-art facilities.

Tom also created "Audiocore Edit Assist", which is a service that creates marker files for Audition, Reaper, Hindenburg, and Audacity: https://www.knvpstudios.com/audiocore

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Chapters:

(00:00) Stay to the End for Post-production Processes

(01:43) Has Editing Fillers Changed?

(08:01) Research on Filler Words

(12:46) Editors Are More Sensitive to Fillers

(15:32) Convincing Clients to Pay for Editing

(20:04) How Audiocore Edit Assist Works

(23:20) How This Episode Was Edited Differently

(26:41) Send me YOUR Workflow Process!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Podcast Editor Academy

Get access to Steve Stewart's 35+ years of small business experience and decade of learning inside the Podcast Editor Academy - PLUS: -Weekly Challenges via email -Windshield University with our Private Podcast -Office Hours

Podcast Editor Academy

WEBINAR: The Subsidy Cliff! Avoiding a $24,000 Tax Surprise 😳

Free webinar for anyone who gets their insurance though The Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) - because things have changed this year! Join me and Sean Mullaney, an advice-only financial advisor, for 12 ways to avoid going over the Subsidy Cliff and owing the government THOUSANDS of dollars in repaid subsidies. Subscribe to the Podcast Editor Industry newsletters for reminders, and hit the "Notify Me" button on the YouTube live at Subsidy Cliff: Avoiding a $24,000 Tax Surprise 😳

Podcast Editor Industry Newsletter

#127: Carrie Caulfield is back to give a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to grow beyond "just" editing.

She talks about how she went from editing simple interview shows to landing a major role with the Legal Media Network—all sparked by a note in the Podcast Editors Club Facebook group with a pitch. Carrie didn’t wait until she felt “ready.” Instead, she kept saying yes to opportunities, learning as she went, and building her confidence through experience rather than formal training.

As her career progressed, she naturally moved beyond editing into storytelling, production, and eventually leadership. Now, she’s overseeing large-scale operations, managing teams, and helping shape content for hundreds of clients. Through it all, she keeps coming back to the same idea: growth comes from being willing to figure things out, even when you’re unsure. Her journey is a reminder that skills build on each other, and if you stay curious and open to stretching yourself, you can turn a small starting point into something much bigger.

• Carrie secured her current role by proactively pitching herself
• She transitioned into narrative storytelling and full-scale production work
• Her experience shows that editing skills can evolve into broader storytelling and leadership capabilities
• She now oversees production for nearly 200 clients, managing teams, workflows, and content strategy
• A major success factor has been willingness to learn on the fly and take on challenges without waiting for formal training

• Carrie Caulfield, Director of Production, The Legal Media Network
• @TheCarrieCaulfield (IG, Threads)
• https://carriecaulfield.notion.site

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Alejandro Ramirez. You can find him on LinkedIn if you're interested in talking with him about editing your show (audio and/or video)

Mentioned in this episode:

The Podcast Editor Academy

Get access to Steve Stewart's 35+ years of small business experience and decade of learning inside the Podcast Editor Academy - PLUS: -Weekly Challenges via email -Windshield University with our Private Podcast -Office Hours

Podcast Editor Academy

WEBINAR: The Subsidy Cliff! Avoiding a $24,000 Tax Surprise 😳

Free webinar for anyone who gets their insurance though The Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) - because things have changed this year! Join me and Sean Mullaney, an advice-only financial advisor, for 12 ways to avoid going over the Subsidy Cliff and owing the government THOUSANDS of dollars in repaid subsidies. Subscribe to the Podcast Editor Industry newsletters for reminders, and hit the "Notify Me" button on the YouTube live at Subsidy Cliff: Avoiding a $24,000 Tax Surprise 😳

Podcast Editor Industry Newsletter

#125: In the ever-evolving podcast industry, attending big podcons events can be pivotal for creators and service providers alike.

Chad Parizman shares his experience from the new Podcast Movement SXSW event in March 2026.

I ask Chad:

• What was different?
• How much did he spend?
• Was it worth it?
• Will he go again?

Chad provides Podcast Production and Strategy for brands and organizations. Connect with him at https://www.adercommunications.com or on LinkedIn

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We used Riverside to record this episode and edit the video version.

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*Use of the above affiliate links may earn us a commission, which is used to support the efforts of this show. Thank you in advance for your support!

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Email Steve@PodcastEditorAcademy.com and tell me!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Podcast Editor Academy

Get access to Steve Stewart's 35+ years of small business experience and decade of learning inside the Podcast Editor Academy - PLUS: -Weekly Challenges via email -Windshield University with our Private Podcast -Office Hours

Podcast Editor Academy

WEBINAR: The Subsidy Cliff! Avoiding a $24,000 Tax Surprise 😳

Free webinar for anyone who gets their insurance though The Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) - because things have changed this year! Join me and Sean Mullaney, an advice-only financial advisor, for 12 ways to avoid going over the Subsidy Cliff and owing the government THOUSANDS of dollars in repaid subsidies. Subscribe to the Podcast Editor Industry newsletters for reminders, and hit the "Notify Me" button on the YouTube live at Subsidy Cliff: Avoiding a $24,000 Tax Surprise 😳

Podcast Editor Industry Newsletter